Mental Health Resources

Today we know, through advanced medical and psychological research, that just as things go wrong with the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys, so it does with the brain. The good news is that today we have effective treatments for mental illnesses.

In addition to treatment by medication, psychosocial treatment can be a component of the treatment plan and help with recovery; this may include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, support groups or other community services.

Useful links

National Mental Health Program, Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon. Available at: www.moph.gov.lb

WHO AIMS Report on Mental Health Systems in Lebanon, Available at: www.who.int

Myths and facts about mental health

Myth: Mental health problems don’t affect me.

Fact: Mental health problems are very common. In Lebanon, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem throughout their lives. The most prevalent mental disorders in Lebanon are anxiety and mood disorders.

Myth: Mental illness is a result of a weak personality. People can just snap out of it if they really try.

Fact: Mental illness is not caused by a character flaw and has nothing to do with being weak or lazy. Many factors contribute to mental illnesses including: biological factors (genes, physical illness, brain chemistry), life circumstances (trauma or history of abuse) and family history of mental illness.

Myth: People with mental illnesses can never recover.

Fact: With the right kind of help, people who have mental illnesses can get better and many do recover completely. While some illnesses may not go away, their symptoms can be managed allowing for the individual to live a productive life.

Myth: People with mental illnesses are usually violent and unpredictable.

Fact: People with mental illness are no more violent than the rest of the population. People with mental illnesses are more likely to hurt themselves than others.